Lovie Smith Named Tampa Bay Coach

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Lovie Smith is the new coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The team made it official Thursday, announcing the one-time Tony Dungy protege who led the Chicago Bears to the Super Bowl seven years ago finalized a five-year contract. He will be formally introduced at a news conference on Monday.

The 55-year-old Smith replaces Greg Schiano, who was fired this week following a 4-12 finish. The Bucs also dismissed general manager Mark Dominik, and the search for his successor continues.

In hiring someone with a proven track record as a NFL head coach, ownership departed from the route taken for two other coaching changes over the past five years.